Norwegian solar company REC has opened an office in Bangkok to tap into Thailand’s renewable energy market. The move comes following the launch of its first solar plant in the country, the 9.5 MW Chiang Rai project.
Jose Luis Martin, REC’s project development manager in Thailand, said: “The best way to serve a market is simply to be there. A local presence in the country testifies that we’re taking a long-term view to our business activities in Southeast Asia.
He said the Chiang Rai installation “is the first milestone of many”.
Chiang Rai is powered by nearly 41,000 REC solar panels and generates electricity for 7200 homes. It is owned and operated by Chiang Rai Solar Company, a joint venture between independent solar power producer Sonnedix and CK Power, an affiliate of CH Karchang, Thailand’s second-largest construction company.
It is located across 24 hectares of mountainous land which required the solar panels to be ground-mounted on a special concrete structure.
Thailand has set targets to meet a quarter of energy needs by renewable resources by 2021.
“Thailand is an exciting market and a magnet for solar investment,” added Martin.
